Students, faculty, staff, and an alumna from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) recently shared their work at the National Association of Social Workers Florida (NASW-FL) Annual Conference, held on June 12.
Alison Salloum, PhD (left), and Isabella Almeder at the NASW-FL conference.
Alison Salloum, PhD, LCSW, a professor in the School of Social Work, and Isabella Almeder, a Master of Social Work student, presented a workshop titled “Use of Exposure With Children After Trauma: Addressing Safe Trauma Reminders and Impairment.” The session focused on in vivo exposure techniques to help children with post-traumatic stress overcome avoidance, challenge inaccurate beliefs, and develop new meaning around safe trauma reminders in everyday life.
Britani Holland, PhD, MSW, LCSW, an alumna of the School of Social Work and a research assistant in the McCrae Sleep Lab at ±«Óătv, presented a workshop titled “Public Stigma Toward Adult Survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences.” Her presentation examined how stigma varies based on a survivor’s age and the nature of the adversity experienced.
Holland also co-authored a poster presentation titled “Stigma Toward Adult Survivors of Childhood Maltreatment: A Scoping Review,” alongside Ciara Spivey, a graduate research assistant and doctoral candidate in behavioral and community sciences, and Sondra Fogel, PhD, LCSW, associate professor and program chair in the School of Social Work. The review synthesized literature exploring stereotypes, emotional responses, and discriminatory beliefs directed at adult survivors.
“I'm grateful to be part of a community committed to advancing trauma-informed, stigma-reducing social work practice. The conversations, insights, and shared passion for advocacy were truly inspiring,” Holland said.
Yazmin Castellano-McDonough presenting "Connecting with Latinx Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspective of A Hispanic Mother and Professional" at the NASW-FL conference.
Another session, “Connecting With Latinx Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspective of a Hispanic Mother and Professional,” was led by Yazmin Castellano-McDonough, a consultant with the . The workshop addressed challenges faced by Latinx families and emphasized the importance of culturally responsive care for children diagnosed with autism.
The NASW-FL Conference gathers social work professionals, thought leaders, and industry influencers, offering a unique platform for learning, collaboration, and networking.